Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused him of being connected to controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala. The minister says the claims are false and misleading.
Accusations Made in Durban Briefing
In a press conference held in Durban on Sunday, Commissioner Mkhwanazi said Minister Mchunu was under criminal investigation. He also claimed the police service had been influenced by underworld figures, including Matlala.
Mkhwanazi referred to Matlala’s R360 million SAPS tender, which was approved while Matlala was already being investigated for procurement fraud linked to Tembisa Hospital.
The tender has since been cancelled, but the scandal has not faded. Mkhwanazi also linked Matlala to a plot to shut down the political killings task team. According to phone records, Matlala allegedly wanted to stop investigations that connected him to serious crimes.
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Matlala’s Ongoing Legal Trouble
Earlier this year, Vusimusi Matlala was arrested and charged for allegedly planning an attack on his former partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane. The case is still ongoing, and it has added fuel to concerns about his influence in high-level state contracts.
Mkhwanazi said Matlala was funding political campaigns and also supporting the police minister financially, a claim that raised concern among political circles and the public.
Minister Mchunu Responds with Clarity
In a strong response released on Wednesday, Mchunu’s office said the minister had never met or spoken to Matlala. He also denied receiving any support, money, or requests from him.
“The minister did, however, request a review of the SAPS tender given to Matlala when suspicions arose,” the statement said. That same tender has now been cancelled.
This official response was released after President Cyril Ramaphosa urged all sides to avoid public conflict until facts were clear.
Brown Mogotsi Mentioned in Ongoing Allegations
During the same weekend briefing, Mkhwanazi also named Brown Mogotsi, claiming he was being funded by Matlala and was connected to Mchunu.
The minister’s office replied that while Mchunu has met Mogotsi, they are not close associates. The statement clarified:
However, this new statement seems to contradict Mchunu’s earlier claim in Parliament where he said he did not know Mogotsi at all.
What Happens Next?
These public claims and denials have shaken the police service and public trust. There are growing calls for an independent investigation to confirm who is telling the truth.
Parliament and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) are both expected to review the situation further in the coming weeks.
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